School-based courses
Schools are encouraged to provide school-based programs that allow young people to earn credit towards Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications.
School students can choose to study a certificate course which is based on one session per week of either a full or half day, while still attending school as a part of the requirements to gain a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships also provide the opportunity to train towards nationally accredited qualifications that contribute to the QCE.
These options are designed to help school students embark on the first steps of their future working career and can count towards university credits and Overall Position (OP) scores.
For more information, contact the Schools Consultant at Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE on 07 4694 1877.
Advantages of studying with TAFE while at school
Changing your Tertiary entrance rank
Gaining credit towards university
School-based courses
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships
Enrolment process
Advantages of studying with TAFE while at school
School students who undertake a nationally recognised VET qualification at TAFE as part of their senior studies pay no tuition fees where the qualification is part of or counts towards a Certificate III or higher-level qualification.
Study at TAFE while still in high school and get a Certificate II or III completed before you leave.
Under these arrangements, a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) can be issued if a student gains 20 points during their senior phase of learning. Up to 12 of these points can be in VET to count towards the QCE.
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Certificate III programs gain 8 points
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Certificate II programs gain 4 points.
Changing your Tertiary entrance rank
Studies in any Certificate (III or IV), Diploma or Advanced Diploma programs at TAFE Queensland, will also improve your Tertiary Entrance (TE) Rank and provide a pathway to most universities.
| Program | Selection rank | Approx OP equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Completed Advanced Diploma | 91 (minimum) | 6 |
| Completed Diploma | 82 (minimum) | 10 |
| Completed Certificate IV | 74 | 13 |
| Completed Certificate III | 68 | 15 |
Gaining credit towards university
You may also be eligible for credit for any TAFE studies you have completed which may help reduce your study time and cost at university. Most Diploma programs can earn up to at least a year's credit towards degree programs and some programs have dual enrolment arrangements with the University of Southern Queensland.
The Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE has credit agreements with:
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Australian Catholic University
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Central Queensland University
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Griffith University
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James Cook University
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University of Sunshine Coast
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University of Southern Queensland
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Queensland University of Technology(QUT).
Some universities also accord bonus ranks for completion of TAFE qualifications. Contact the universities for details of bonus schemes.
School-based courses
Students in year 10, 11 & 12 can complete VET certificates while still at school, providing a head start to chosen careers, or as a part-time work supplement to income while at university or further study.
For further information on courses designed specifically for school students, please download the full 2010 Schools training prospectus [PDF 330kb].
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Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care
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Certificate II in Agriculture
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Certificate III in Arts & Contemporary Crafts
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Certificate II in Automotive
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Introduction to Certificate III in Beauty Therapy
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Certificate II in Business
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Certificate III in Business
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Certificate III in Children's Services
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Certificate III in Computer Aided Drafting
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Certificate II in Construction Pathways
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Certificate III in Design Fundamentals
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Certificate II in Engineering (Welding)
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Certificate III in Events
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Certificate II in Furniture Making
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Certificate II in General Construction
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Introduction to Certificate II in Hairdressing
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Introduction to Certificate II in Hairdressing (External/Rural)
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Certificate III in Hospitality (Operations) - Food and Beverages
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Certificate III in Information Technology (General)
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Certificate III in Media
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Certificate II in Process Plant Operations
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Certificate II in Retail
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Certificate III in Rural Business
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Certificate III in Tourism
Note: Programs are not available at all campuses.
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships allow high school students, typically those in years 11 and 12, to work with an employer as paid employees whilst studying for their Senior Certificate.
For further information, please refer to the Apprenticeships Info website. To contact Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE staff about school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, please contact your nearest campus.
Who is eligible?
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships are designed for year 11 and 12 students. To undertake a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship, students must:
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be enrolled in study that will lead towards a Senior Certificate or equivalent
have an employer -
have a training provider work out with the school, and parents or guardians,
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how the timetable will be modified to fit in the required training
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be available to your employer for work or training during the times agreed to by your school.
What is the difference between an apprentice and a trainee?
Apprenticeships and traineeships combine training with working in a real job, for a real boss with a real wage. There are two differences between an apprentice and a trainee.
An apprentice is trained in a skilled trade and upon successful completion will become a qualified tradesperson. Trades such as electrician, plumber, cabinet maker, and automotive mechanic are just a few that are included in the apprenticeship scheme.
A trainee is someone who is being trained in a vocational area. These vocational areas include, but are not limited to, office administration, information technology, and hospitality. Upon completion of a traineeship you will receive to a minimum of a Certificate II in your chosen vocational area.
Apprenticeships and traineeships can be full-time, part-time, or school-based (where some of the training is undertaken while the apprentice or trainee is in high school).
Facts about school-based apprenticeships and traineeships
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The employment and/or training arrangements must impact on the school timetable for the program to be considered school-based.
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Vocational education and training qualifications and competencies can be recorded on your Senior Certificate and are nationally recognised.
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It is possible for you to gain an Overall Position (OP) score while doing a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship.
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If you do not complete the apprenticeship or traineeship while at school, you will have to convert to full-time or part-time arrangements as soon as you leave school.
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Unlike other apprentices and trainees, school-based apprentices and trainees:
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are not paid for the time spent undertaking training delivered by the training provider
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do not accrue sick leave or recreation leave.
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You are paid for the time spent working, including an extra amount to make up for not receiving sick leave or recreation leave.
Finishing
The employer and the apprentice or trainee must notify their supervising registered training organisation when they agree that the requirements of the training plan have been fulfilled.
How to enrol
Students should be 15 years of age, although applications may be accepted from younger students currently in year 10 when enrolling. In this instance, the following conditions must be met:
A Learning account (LUI) must have been established along with a current SET Plan listing the student's career pathway.
Evidence of a letter from the school Principal to the Institute Director, supporting the student's application.
Enrolment will occur when the agreement has been signed off by the Faculty and Institute Director at Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE.
Enrolment process
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Select a program by choosing from the list detailed in the 2009 School training prospectus [PDF 551kb].
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Complete the relevant forms:
- personal details form [PDF 89kb] - to be completed by you and returned to your school principal/VET co-ordinator/guidance officer
- SET Plan tracking form [DOC 42kb] - arranged by your school
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Read the Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE Student guide supplied upon enrolment.
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Notify your school of intention to study at TAFE and arrange for payment of fees to your school to avoid missing out on a class place.
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Attend the Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE Orientation in November of the previous year you intend to study.